Toronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

November 13, 2017Denise Dias

After making it through the red-hot real estate market in 2015 with multiple bidding war battle scars, this Toronto couple purchased a detached brick house in Corso Italia for $750,000. Now, settled into their new neighbourhood, we find out how Armando and Emily uncovered a surprise third floor attic (talk about a value add!) and managed to turn a century-old fixer-upper into a stunning family home. (The kitchen pantry will leave you speechless.)

Home Tours

Toronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

November 13, 2017 Denise Dias

After making it through the red-hot real estate market in 2015 with multiple bidding war battle scars, this Toronto couple purchased a detached brick house in Corso Italia for $750,000. Now, settled into their new neighbourhood, we find out how Armando and Emily uncovered a surprise third floor attic (talk about a value add!) and managed to turn a century-old fixer-upper into a stunning family home. (The kitchen pantry will leave you speechless.)

The Gut Job

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The Gut Job

The renovation project took a year and half to complete, which was longer than anticipated. “We can describe the improvements we made in three words: total gut job,” explains the couple. “Everything was in its original state from 1929, including nob and tube electrical, an oil tank and lack of air conditioning.”

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

The Gut Job

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The renovation project took a year and half to complete, which was longer than anticipated. “We can describe the improvements we made in three words: total gut job,” explains the couple. “Everything was in its original state from 1929, including nob and tube electrical, an oil tank and lack of air conditioning.”

The Secret Retreat

The Secret Retreat

A surprise large attic space with soaring ceiling height allowed the couple to create a walk-in closet and spectacular spa-like en suite accessible from a private staircase in the master bedroom. “A secret retreat, as we like to call it,” notes one of the owners.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

The Secret Retreat

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A surprise large attic space with soaring ceiling height allowed the couple to create a walk-in closet and spectacular spa-like en suite accessible from a private staircase in the master bedroom. “A secret retreat, as we like to call it,” notes one of the owners.

Black, White and Beautiful

Black, White and Beautiful

A black subway tile backsplash paired with black grout gave the sleek white bathroom and modern finish. Black mounted hardware blends seamlessly against its backdrop for a look that's completely calming in its minimalism.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Black, White and Beautiful

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A black subway tile backsplash paired with black grout gave the sleek white bathroom and modern finish. Black mounted hardware blends seamlessly against its backdrop for a look that's completely calming in its minimalism.

The Dream Discovery

The Dream Discovery

“We decided to add a third floor addition after we realized there was enough ceiling height in the attic for Armando to comfortably walk through without slouching,” says Emily. “The huge attic was a hidden gem—we had no idea it was there and the discovery was a dream for me as I always wanted a closet large enough to fit all my clothes and shoes.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

The Dream Discovery

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“We decided to add a third floor addition after we realized there was enough ceiling height in the attic for Armando to comfortably walk through without slouching,” says Emily. “The huge attic was a hidden gem—we had no idea it was there and the discovery was a dream for me as I always wanted a closet large enough to fit all my clothes and shoes.

A Sleek and Sneaky Staircase

A Sleek and Sneaky Staircase

Creating the private staircase to access the transformed attic and third floor addition from the master bedroom allowed the couple to make use of the found space without having to sacrifice bedroom space elsewhere on the second floor.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

A Sleek and Sneaky Staircase

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Creating the private staircase to access the transformed attic and third floor addition from the master bedroom allowed the couple to make use of the found space without having to sacrifice bedroom space elsewhere on the second floor.

A Minimalist Master Bedroom

A Minimalist Master Bedroom

Emily and Armando's vibe of a modern oasis trickled down from the spa master bath to their bedroom, where white walls are punctuated sparingly by black and white photography and art prints, touches of green decor and a rich wood bed frame.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

A Minimalist Master Bedroom

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Emily and Armando's vibe of a modern oasis trickled down from the spa master bath to their bedroom, where white walls are punctuated sparingly by black and white photography and art prints, touches of green decor and a rich wood bed frame.

Lush Accents

Lush Accents

With so few colours featured throughout the home, the few that were used truly pop. Plants are a predominant source of accent colour and we love how this bright green glasses case carries that pattern through to the bedside tables.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Lush Accents

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With so few colours featured throughout the home, the few that were used truly pop. Plants are a predominant source of accent colour and we love how this bright green glasses case carries that pattern through to the bedside tables.

Art With Heart

Art With Heart

When it came to selecting artwork to hang over their bed, Emily and Armando didn't have to hunt for very long. Two simple but playful black and white photos of their daughter playing in a bed fit the space perfectly, and emphasize the cozy and dreamy aesthetic of their all-white bedding.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Art With Heart

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When it came to selecting artwork to hang over their bed, Emily and Armando didn't have to hunt for very long. Two simple but playful black and white photos of their daughter playing in a bed fit the space perfectly, and emphasize the cozy and dreamy aesthetic of their all-white bedding.

The Gang's All Here

The Gang's All Here

An oversized basket and modern wire side table make for easy storage for Penelope's impressive collection of stuffed animals, but her favourites, a preppy pink flamingo and a chipper yellow pineapple, sit on two identical vintage chairs.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

The Gang's All Here

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An oversized basket and modern wire side table make for easy storage for Penelope's impressive collection of stuffed animals, but her favourites, a preppy pink flamingo and a chipper yellow pineapple, sit on two identical vintage chairs.

Polished Accents

Polished Accents

Clean and modern hardware like this crystal door knob adds a touch of glamour and elegance to the home. Against the sleek white backdrop of the home's architecture, it's the epitome of luxury and femininity.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Polished Accents

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Clean and modern hardware like this crystal door knob adds a touch of glamour and elegance to the home. Against the sleek white backdrop of the home's architecture, it's the epitome of luxury and femininity.

Hints of Portugal

Hints of Portugal

A colourful assortment of Portuguese <a href="https://clausporto.com/">Claus Porto</a> soaps take on an air of decor placed in a chic glass canister, while a little dish beside it holds colourful bits of jewellery. It's these few accents, along with a pink soap canister and towel, that solidify this space as chic, elegant and admittedly girly.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Hints of Portugal

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A colourful assortment of Portuguese <a href="https://clausporto.com/">Claus Porto</a> soaps take on an air of decor placed in a chic glass canister, while a little dish beside it holds colourful bits of jewellery. It's these few accents, along with a pink soap canister and towel, that solidify this space as chic, elegant and admittedly girly.

A Grand Entrance

A Grand Entrance

Down on the main floor, the kitchen received the most dramatic face lift during the renovation, and gives a dramatic first impression in the form of a black hallway and pantry that lead into the white open space at the very back of the home.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

A Grand Entrance

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Down on the main floor, the kitchen received the most dramatic face lift during the renovation, and gives a dramatic first impression in the form of a black hallway and pantry that lead into the white open space at the very back of the home.

Balancing Old and New

Balancing Old and New

The stylish couple both love modern design but began to develop a stronger appreciation for the original beauty of their typical Toronto four square home with modest 'craftsman' style elements. Struggling to find a balance between old and new, the front of the house pays homage to the original design with double-hung windows and a restored wooden porch while the addition at the back of the house has a more modern feel with dark espresso-coloured brick and sleek black single pane windows.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Balancing Old and New

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The stylish couple both love modern design but began to develop a stronger appreciation for the original beauty of their typical Toronto four square home with modest 'craftsman' style elements. Struggling to find a balance between old and new, the front of the house pays homage to the original design with double-hung windows and a restored wooden porch while the addition at the back of the house has a more modern feel with dark espresso-coloured brick and sleek black single pane windows.

All Things Modern

All Things Modern

"We wanted to respect the character of this established neighbourhood by maintain the originality of the front façade, but loved the idea that the rest of the house could be made to look modern," says Armando.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

All Things Modern

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"We wanted to respect the character of this established neighbourhood by maintain the originality of the front façade, but loved the idea that the rest of the house could be made to look modern," says Armando.

A Home to Explore

A Home to Explore

"When we visited the house for the first time, we immediately fell in love with the front entrance. It was big enough so that you didn’t feel claustrophobic but small enough that you only got a glimpse of the surrounding rooms. It made you want to explore the next room. This was our inspiration when it came time to redesigning the layout of the first floor." explained Armando.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

A Home to Explore

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"When we visited the house for the first time, we immediately fell in love with the front entrance. It was big enough so that you didn’t feel claustrophobic but small enough that you only got a glimpse of the surrounding rooms. It made you want to explore the next room. This was our inspiration when it came time to redesigning the layout of the first floor." explained Armando.

One Room Leads to the Next

One Room Leads to the Next

"We kept the rooms divided but connected, which created a racetrack layout and made the house feel more intriguing as you walk from one space to another—there are no dead ends, which makes it really easy to move around,” says Armando.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

One Room Leads to the Next

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"We kept the rooms divided but connected, which created a racetrack layout and made the house feel more intriguing as you walk from one space to another—there are no dead ends, which makes it really easy to move around,” says Armando.

The Bare Minimum

The Bare Minimum

The family keeps their kitchen counters bare, thanks in large part to the hidden pantry that houses appliances as well as preserves, but permissions are made for a few key items, like a pair of vintage green prints, a big bowl of red apples, and a gold hexagon wine rack.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

The Bare Minimum

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The family keeps their kitchen counters bare, thanks in large part to the hidden pantry that houses appliances as well as preserves, but permissions are made for a few key items, like a pair of vintage green prints, a big bowl of red apples, and a gold hexagon wine rack.

Well Read (and Fed)

Well Read (and Fed)

The same floating white shelves used to display Penelope's books were used in the kitchen to show off the family's collection of cookbooks. (And if their library is any indication, a seat at their table is an enviable invitation!).

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Well Read (and Fed)

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The same floating white shelves used to display Penelope's books were used in the kitchen to show off the family's collection of cookbooks. (And if their library is any indication, a seat at their table is an enviable invitation!).

Waste Not, Want Not

Waste Not, Want Not

Every inch of storage space is utilized, with shelving that runs from the floor to the ceiling. Wire baskets were brought in to help keep like items stored together, while still providing visibility into what tasty snacks are tucked away.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Waste Not, Want Not

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Every inch of storage space is utilized, with shelving that runs from the floor to the ceiling. Wire baskets were brought in to help keep like items stored together, while still providing visibility into what tasty snacks are tucked away.

Well-Stocked for Winter

Well-Stocked for Winter

With bags and bags of coffee beans and jars of preserves, Emily and Armando are well stocked for the winter months! We love how the colourful jars add a festive fall colour palette to the dramatic black pantry.

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Well-Stocked for Winter

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With bags and bags of coffee beans and jars of preserves, Emily and Armando are well stocked for the winter months! We love how the colourful jars add a festive fall colour palette to the dramatic black pantry.

Express Yourself

Express Yourself

A bonafide coffee station is set up with all the ingredients and tools need to make a perfect cup of coffee. With everything at your fingertips, mornings must be a breeze in this house (at least after the first cup of coffee is consumed!),

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Express Yourself

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A bonafide coffee station is set up with all the ingredients and tools need to make a perfect cup of coffee. With everything at your fingertips, mornings must be a breeze in this house (at least after the first cup of coffee is consumed!),

Seeing Double

Seeing Double

With a small secondary kitchen sink and drinking faucet installed, Emily and Armando have a little extra breathing room when prepping and hosting larger dinners. (And how glam is the black on black kitchen faucet and sink?)

Home ToursToronto Couple Discovers Surprise Third Floor in Their $750K Home and Create Stunning Spa Bathroom

Seeing Double

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With a small secondary kitchen sink and drinking faucet installed, Emily and Armando have a little extra breathing room when prepping and hosting larger dinners. (And how glam is the black on black kitchen faucet and sink?)